By Daniel Gretzner
Dearborn Heights Annapolis High School played three Division 2 baseball tournament games during the past week, winning both of their regional games, before falling in the state quarterfinals.
The Cougars captured the Livonia Ladywood regional crown Saturday by posting shutouts over Detroit Renaissance (1-0) and Ferndale (3-0). They were not as fortunate when they squared off with tournament favorite, St. Clair, losing to them in the quarterfinals 10-0 at Novi.
Annapolis made the best of it in regional play by posting a pair of shutout victories. The local preps displayed a tight defense along with strong pitching to master their tourney opponents. A.J. Garza-Hall hurled a 3-hitter against Renaissance and Travis Casey twirled 5-scoreless innings, leading the way against Ferndale.
Annapolis head coach Morris Blackwell was all smiles as his kids were able to win the school’s first regional baseball title. Before their loss to St. Clair, they were among only eight-teams still remaining in Division 2. Perhaps next year, Annapolis will be able to build on its 13-12 overall seasonal record.
Fans and followers of Cougar baseball can say their team did exceptionally well in tourney play. They won their district and regional titles, despite being a dark horse. One thing for sure, the boys will be back out there next spring, when a new season will begin all over again.
(Daniel Gretzner, your Times-Herald/Sunday Times “Focus on Sports” columnist will be giving you fresh and local sports news – starting this issue. He can be reached at dgretzner@hotmail.)